Attorneys Representing Dog Attack Victims Across Texas

This website is maintained by the Law Offices of Dean Malone, P.C., a Dallas, Texas law firm representing people across Texas for dog bite injury cases. We have attempted to provide useful information for those harmed by animal attacks.

Posts Tagged ‘Dog bite’

Wednesday, April 26th, 2017

Pitbullmacho (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

At about 5:15 am on Tuesday, April 25, 2017, 60-year-old Maurice Brown was viciously attacked by a pit bull. Nearby residents heard screams for help that were obvious cries of pain. When police arrived, the pit bull was still actively attacking Brown. The officers shot and killed the male pit bull. Brown was quickly transported to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

According to authorities, the pit bull responsible for Brown’s death broke his chain to get to him. Three other pit bulls from the same property were also loose, and they have been taken into custody. It is unclear who the owner of the dogs is; the property owner lives in a nursing home.

In response to news about the fatal pit bull attack, Ohio state Senator Bill Beagle expressed concern that senseless dog attacks continue to happen. He introduced the Klonda Richey Act in 2014 and the following year, in response to the death of Richey, who was killed by two dogs belonging to her neighbors.

The Montgomery County Ohio area has been the site of four fatal dog attacks since 2012, and this was the third in Dayton since 2014. Fifty-seven-year-old Klonda Richey was killed by dogs she herself reported as dangerous dozens of times. She repeatedly contacted authorities about the dogs before they attacked and killed her.

A few months after Richey died, 7-month-old Johnathan Quarles, Jr. was killed by the pit bull belonging to his babysitter. The sitter was convicted of six felonies, following the fatal dog attack.

Just two weeks after Quarles Jr.’s death, a woman in Butler County, which borders Montgomery County, was killed by her daughter’s pit bull. The 59-year-old was babysitting her 2-year-old grandson when the dog lunged at her and bit her fatally on the throat. The child wasn’t injured.

Monday, September 26th, 2016

A toddler was reported missing in Topeka, Kansas, at about 8 pm Saturday night, September 24, 2016. According to Lt. Bryan Wheeles of the Topeka Police Department, police officers visited the residence on SW Carnahan Avenue. A search was initiated, and the 2-year-old girl was discovered dead in the family’s fenced-in yard. Investigators determined that a dog attack was the cause of death. Two dogs were at the scene, and they were seized by animal control. The breed of the dogs has not been revealed as yet. Police have not released information about the owners of the dogs, either.

Another horrible tragedy is that fatal dog attacks are far too common in the U.S. Before this fatality occurred over the weekend, 24 people had already died this year alone as a result of dog attacks. Of those 24, 19 are known to involve at least one pit bull or pit bull mix. Generous estimates are that pit bulls make up 7% of the canine population in this country, and yet the breed always commits more than half of all fatal dog attacks. In 2015, 82% or 28 total deaths caused by dogs involved pit bulls.

Although little is known about Saturday’s deadly dog attack, there are many things about fatal attacks that can be learned from past incidents. DogsBite.org is a website that compiles the information about this ongoing threat to society. Although dogs are beloved pets, and mostly for good reason, pit bulls that kill go after their owners or members of the family approximately half the time. These news stories, through horrific, should be reported on a more widespread basis, as a general warning to the public that dogs often cause death or serious injury.

Monday, September 12th, 2016

In a horrific scene in Jacksonville, Florida, an 83-year-old man was discovered dead in the backyard of a pet owner with four dogs. The owner’s dogs are a Rottweiler and three mixed-breed Rottweilers. On August 19, 2016, the victim was taking out his trash at the Franklin Arms Apartments, where he lived. There was a hole in the dog owner’s fence, and the dogs escaped. They dragged the elderly victim into their yard and he was discovered dead and dismembered. The dogs are in the custody of authorities. No charges have been filed.

Rottweilers are the second most dangerous type of dog breed. Although pit bulls have consistently been the breed responsible for more than 60% of annual deaths in the U.S. for decades, with that percentage spiking significantly since last year, Rottweilers are dangerous, too. According to DogsBite.org, a site that closely tracks dog bite fatalities in the U.S., the combined breed of pit bulls and Rottweilers have been responsible for 76% of all fatal attacks in the 11-year span of 2005 through 2015. More statistics follow:

In 2015, pit bulls committed 28 deaths and Rottweilers killed 3 people. American bulldogs are considered close cousins of pit bulls, and they killed 2 people. Together, the three breeds contributed to 97% or 33 of the 34 dog attack fatalities last year. Only 9% of these 34 fatalities resulted in criminal charges on a meaningful level. This was the lowest level of criminal charges linked to dog fatalities in 11 years.

Texas had more deaths caused by dogs in 2015, with 5 people killed.

Texas had more deadly dog attacks in 2014, as well, with 7 deaths. Felony charges were filed in connection with 43% of those fatalities.

Annual statistics related to dog fatalities continue to indicate what a danger certain breeds can be. Packs of dogs have also proven to be deadly on several occasions. Laws need to change so that dog owners know there will be consequences if anyone is hurt by their pets. It seems ludicrous that a person can be killed by pets while minding their own business and no one faces criminal charges.

Tuesday, November 4th, 2014

Poncho the Pit bull mix kissing his owner (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Last week a 4-year-old boy was viciously attacked by a pit bull that his parents had adopted from a shelter two weeks before. The child suffered critical injuries from the dog mauling, including broken ribs, lacerations to his side and stomach, a severe cut above one eye, and a nearly severed ear. According to a neighbor, the dog had exhibited very aggressive behavior ever since his arrival to the neighborhood.

The parents of the injured boy frequently take in stray or abandoned dogs, neighbors said. Sometimes those dogs are aggressive, such as a border collie the family once took in. The pit bull in this case reportedly scared a woman who has three decades of experience working with animals.

When this pit bull attack in Davis County, Utah, occurred, it was in the boy’s own backyard. The mother went outside and discovered the dog standing over him. The dog has since been put to sleep, and his remains are being tested for rabies.

Many people think that pit bulls are too much of a risk to have around children and that the danger is multiplied in the case of stray or rescue dogs. Without knowledge of a dog’s background, especially when the dog is capable of inflicting serious injury or death, why take the risk of keeping the dog around children?

Experts virtually all agree that dog breeds should not be banned as a group because the owners are the real culprits, when dogs become dangerous. But how can someone who adopts a strange dog be sure whether or not the original owners influenced a dog toward aggressive or harmful behaviors?

Monday, November 3rd, 2014

OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. — Bellevue Officer Jim Bartley, gets pounced on by Leda, a Lavista Police Dog, during a routine joint training with Offutt handlers and military working dogs on April 10. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

See Part 1 and the following for more information about the types of injuries caused by biting dogs in this two-part series:

It is not uncommon for a dog attack to result in bone-crushing injuries. The skin of the victim may not even be pierced, if the clothing served as protection from puncture wounds. Some dogs, such as pit bulls, have powerful jaws and easily cause fractures and other damage due to the amount of pressure applied in a bite.

Scarring is a common result of a dog attack. Dogs most often target a person’s face, including the nose, lips, and cheeks. Statistics show that approximately 44,000 facial injuries from dog attacks are treated in U.S. hospitals annually. The scars can be disfiguring. Repeated, painful, and very costly plastic surgeries are often required to either reduce or remove a dog bite scar.

People of all ages who have been attacked and injured by a dog often suffer a lifetime of emotional scars. These are psychological injuries which can have an adverse effect on all facets of life, sometimes making it difficult to hold a job and sometimes causing sleeplessness. Some dog attack victims develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and the symptoms include: flashbacks of the dog attack, frightening memories, unreasonable fear regarding personal safety, nightmares, emotional withdrawal, and difficulty maintaining concentration. Psychological counseling and treatment, including lifelong treatment, are sometimes needed for a person recovering from a dog attack.

Victims of dog attacks are sometimes exposed to the deadly rabies virus and must get post-exposure shots. Rabies is deadly virtually 100% of the time if symptoms of the disease are manifested before vaccinations are given to the victim.

Monday, September 24th, 2012

Chihuahua (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Every breed and size of dog that exists, including mutts, has the potential to bite a human. But don’t let that fact discourage you from adopting a dog in need of a home in Texas. All you need to do is choose the right dog for your lifestyle and take proper responsibility as a dog owner.

The American Kennel Club (AKC) shares tips for being a responsible pet owner, which ultimately means that your dog is far less likely to ever bite someone.

It’s best not to encourage strangers to approach your dog in the yard. So keep your dog within a fenced enclosure as opposed to using an electronic fence.

Always keep your dog on a leash when he’s not in an enclosure.

It’s best to socialize canines when they are puppies, but you can socialize your dog when you first bring him into your home, no matter his age. Socialization involves exposing the dog to a variety of noises, situations, places, and people so that they aren’t timid. Dogs that are typically very loving can bite because they’re afraid.

Teach your dog basic commands such as sit, stay, down, come, and heel. It’s also important to teach your dog to drop its toy on demand; it’s dangerous to try and pull a toy from a dog’s mouth. Give treats when the dog obeys commands; this helps your dog understand that he works for his food. This type of training makes for a happier, healthier, safer dog.

When introducing your dog to a new situation, be very aware of signs he is feeling uncomfortable; remove him from the situation when or if he becomes agitated.

See our continuing series for more information on how to train your dog and prevent dog bites.

Thursday, September 13th, 2012

Pit bull (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Leslie Wilson was viciously attacked by two pit bulls in southeast Dallas, Texas, on Tuesday. He is convinced that the dogs would have killed him if not for his neighbor Emilio Contreras who came to his rescue and also got bit in the process.

At about 5:30 p.m. Wilson was mowing the alley behind his house when the pair of pit bulls escaped a neighbor’s yard and attacked him.

Contreras was in his backyard cooking, and he heard Wilson’s repeated screams for help. Contreras jumped the fence to give aid.

Both of the men are seniors and had some difficulty getting the dogs to stop the attack. Contreras said that the dogs were dragging Wilson and grabbing him by his clothes and he was bleeding.

Finally Contreras beat the dogs off with a brick, and he was bitten on the hand.

Wilson received medical attention for the deep gashes on his legs, arms, and head which resulted from the pit bull attack. Part of one of his ears was bitten, and he got stitches.

The animal services department is investigating the attack. In the meantime, the dogs have been placed in the animal shelter.

Wilson did not refer to the pit bulls as devil dogs, but he did say that Contreras is his guardian angel. Since the attack took place in a very secluded spot and the dogs were unwilling to back down even when being beaten with bricks, Wilson believes the dogs would have killed him but for Contreras risking his own safety to help him.

Friday, July 27th, 2012

Doberman (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Abilene, Texas, Animal Control provides shelter and care for dogs while waiting for the animals to be adopted. Responsible pet ownership is encouraged. And dog owners are also advised of the importance of socializing animals because it’s one of the best ways to prevent dog bites.

While it’s true that dogs are a man’s best friend, it’s estimated by the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that more than 4.5 million dog bites occur each year in the United States. Simply having a dog in your home increases your chances of being bitten.

Dog bite victims are often baffled when a dog thought to be friendly suddenly bites them, but it’s not an unusual occurrence. While dogs are domesticated animals, they still respond instinctively in moments of distraction or stress. One of the worst aspects of dog bites is that the pressure of the dog’s rounded teeth can do a great deal of damage to tissues under the skin, including nerves, blood vessels, bones, tendons, and muscles.

Victims of dog bites often require reconstructive surgery; in the U.S., more than 30,000 reconstructive surgeries resulting from dog bites are performed annually. On average, 15 to 25 people die from dog bites every year.

Do you know what to do in the event of a dog bite? See Part 2 in our continuing series.

Sunday, May 27th, 2012

A U.S. Postal worker (Image credit: Getty Images via @daylife)

Last week was National Dog Bite Prevention Week, and for postal workers in Killeen, Texas, an opportunity to double-up on dog bite safety procedures. According to the U. S. Postal Service, several cities in Texas are among the highest for being unfriendly to postal workers, as relates to dog bites. The Texas cities which made the top 25 include Houston, Dallas, Ft. Worth, San Antonio, and El Paso. Killeen did not make the list; but the postmaster for Killeen, Fort Hood, and Harker Heights, Anthony Palomino, is still concerned for the local postal workers. His concern is not unfounded.

Palomino said that the place where most dog attacks occur is on the porch when front doors are opened for deliveries. Homeowners will claim that their dog doesn’t bite just before the carrier is bitten.

The most recent dog attack on a Killeen postal worker was in February of 2011. The letter carrier was bitten several times by two dogs during the attack.

In his effort to raise awareness about the danger of dog bites among mail carriers, Palomino gave a talk offering safety tips, including this warning: Dogs which appear friendly can suddenly turn on you, bite you, and cause serious injury.

To protect themselves from dog bites in Killeen, Ft. Hood, and Harker Heights, postal workers are equipped with dog spray and other specialized gear. Information about dangerous dogs along the mail routes is a shared on map-like cards.

Friday, February 10th, 2012

In some situations, beware of all dogs - Photo by Tami Landis

Kyle Dyer is a news anchor with KUSA-TV, and she was bitten by an Argentine Mastiff on live television Wednesday. Dyer was covering a story about the rescue of the dog from icy waters. Tyler Sugaski, a firefighter, made the heroic rescue. The hero was there along with the dog’s owner, Michael Robinson. Of course, the dog, Max, was there as the focal point of the story.

Dyer had reconstructive surgery on her lip the day following the incident. As unfortunate as this dog bite injury is, there is one thing good that can come out of it. The video has been watched by countless people already, and it could go viral on YouTube, as well. All the people who watch can learn what not to do, as regards avoiding a dog bite.

As a dog expert pointed out on a local news program in Houston, Texas, Max had been exhibiting numerous warning signs that he needed space. It’s a natural instinct for dogs to bite or snap when they’re especially nervous or afraid. In spite of all the signs, unfortunately, Dyer put her face close enough to the dog’s mouth to give him a kiss.

As any professional dog trainer will confirm, sometimes a dog bite injury can’t be blamed on the dog. And that’s definitely true in this case.